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As part of Kent State’s campus transformation, "Foundations of Excellence: Building the Future" initiative, several administrative departments have relocated to Heer Hall.

The newly renovated building is now home to the Division of Human Resources, bringing together all HR units previously housed in Terrace Hall Annex and Wright Hall. Also taking up residence in the tri-level building is Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, formerly located in Lake Hall; and Academic Personnel, which moved from its office on South Willow Street. The latter two departments are located on the third floor of Heer Hall. The phone and fax numbers for all offices remain the same.

Heer Hall is located at 635 Loop Road, near the intersection of Loop Road and Eastway Drive on the Kent Campus. The building improvements are similar to those made to the adjacent Harbourt Hall in 2011, and include a complete replacement and modernization of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, upgrading the fire suppression and alarm systems, renovation in the bathrooms and other public areas, a new elevator for accessibility, interior finishes and exterior envelope.

There is also a lactation room and a bicycle locker area for those who choose to conserve fuel by riding a bicycle to work instead of driving.

The Heer Hall renovations also represent a transition to more eco-friendly solutions that will help to conserve energy and save money. As such, it is anticipated that Heer Hall will be recognized as a Gold Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) building.

“Currently, Harbourt Hall is the only LEED Gold building on any of our campuses, “says Melanie Knowles, manager for sustainability at Kent State.  “However, we are currently in the process of seeking LEED certification for several other new or renovated buildings, including the 5X���� Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg and many of the new 'Foundations of Excellence' buildings that will be constructed over the next several years.”

The occupants of Heer Hall are enjoying their new surroundings. “The fact that the Division of Human Resources is located in one building will help us work more collaboratively  as well as add a convenience factor to those whom we serve,” says Alvin Evans, interim vice president for human resources. “We also have more conference space, which will allow us to conduct training and outreach activities in an inviting atmosphere.”

Lynn Heller, manager of Academic Personnel, says her staff still has a lot of unpacking and re-arranging to do.  “But once we are set up properly, I think the space will be more efficient, and having our offices back on campus will make it more convenient for everyone.”

Wayne Schneider, director of Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, says for his staff, the new space means there is more room and a little more privacy than in their previous space. He and the others also credited the staff from Facilities, Planning and Operations for their work in making this a smooth transition.

The "Foundations of Excellence" project involves the construction of new buildings, facility upgrades and the establishment of dynamic, new spaces throughout Kent State’s campuses.